By Keith Goble, Land Line state legislative editor

CALIFORNIA

Sen. Jim Beall, D-San Jose, and Assemblyman Jim Frazier, D-Oakley, have introduced a $7.4 billion transportation funding package. The main component of the annual package would raise $4.8 billion via a 17-cent-per-gallon gas tax increase and a 30-cent diesel rate boost. The tax rates would also be indexed to inflation to allow for regular increases. Additional components in the funding plan would increase annual vehicle registration fees by $38 and apply an annual $165 fee for zero-emission vehicles.

ILLINOIS

A new law already in effect allows stinger-steered vehicle transporters up to 80 feet - up from 75 feet. The front overhang can also be up to 4 feet while the rear overhang can be up to 6 feet - up from a combined 7 feet. In addition to hauling vehicles, the transporter can also be used for other cargo or general freight on a backhaul.

MICHIGAN

Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law a bill permitting Michigan State Police troopers in certain counties to also test suspected drugged drivers with a preliminary oral fluid test. Specifically, the saliva analysis will be carried out by trained "drug recognition experts" along with the 12-step evaluation program. See Page 38 for more information.

The governor has vetoed a separate bill described as protecting local road funding. SB557 called for ending a requirement that the state's largest cities cover some of the expense of local road work. Specifically, state law requires cities with populations in excess of 25,000 to reimburse MDOT for a portion of road projects within their limits.

OHIO

One bill halfway through the statehouse would permit all township police to make arrests during traffic stops on local highways. HB378 would remove a 50,000-resident threshold to allow all township police the authority to make arrests on national highways that are not included in the interstate system. The affected roadway must be located within the territory of the officer.

PENNSYLVANIA

Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law a bill delaying plans to rid the state of ticket cameras. Without legislative action to save them, the devices were set to be discontinued next year. SB1267 extends the sunset provision for red-light cameras to 2027.

A bill awaiting consideration on the Senate floor covers the use of speed cameras in active work zones on interstates and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. SB840 would set up a five-year pilot program for the Pennsylvania DOT and the Turnpike Commission to post speed cameras.

House lawmakers advanced one bill to apply criminal penalties for "rogue" commercial household goods movers operating in the state. State law now requires HHG movers to register and obtain a permit with the Public Utility Commission, maintain workers compensation coverage, pay wages subject to taxation, and have adequate insurance coverage for goods moved. HB1769 calls for offenders to face $5,000 fines, a third-degree misdemeanor, suspension of registration, and/or confiscation and impoundment of the motor vehicle used in the illegal move. LL